Job Description

For the proposed youth opportunity, SCA will recruit and place three, 12-month Interns in in the Mother Lode Field Office to assist with habitat enhancement and restoration within the Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt, Sacramento County, California. Restoration work projects will involve construction/repair of livestock grazing fence, removal of non-native/invasive plants, thinning trees (up to 6” in diameter) collecting of seeds, planting native vegetation, and/or removal of trash. The riparian areas of this property support a diverse community of plants and wildlife, including the Federally threatened Coho salmon, steelhead, and giant garter snake. SCA will work closely with Cosumnes River Preserve staff to coordinate projects.

Schedule

August 3, 2026 - November 13, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The interns will complete restoration work in Cosumnes River Preserve. Primary duties include: Habitat restoration— controlling weeds (mechanically and chemically), monitoring habitat, native plant material collection, native plant plantings, forest health (vegetation clearing including tree removal), and maintenance of equipment used in these tasks. Hard physical labor. This work will be completed under the oversight of the BLM’s Wildlife Biologist, Botanist and Preserve Manager. CRP is a partnership, some project time will be assisting CRP Partners – The Nature Conservancy, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento County, CA Department of Water Resources.

Marginal Duties

Assist in facilities management (trail maintenance, basic building maintenance), occasional educational out reach or interacting with k-12 students, trash pick up, data collection via FieldMaps/ArcGIS.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have or be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in biology or social science-related disciplines. The position will require extensive time outdoors and field work that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must have good communication skills and the ability to work independently. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• First aid training certificate—basic is ok, wilderness is ideal
• Tool experience—weed eater, shovels, trimmers, pruners, etc.
• Chainsaw certified—ideal, not required
• hike 5+ miles, lift 50 pounds
• Interests/previous learning in biology, ecology, wildlife, plants

Hours

40 per week

The schedule could be five, 8-hr days per week or a 5-4-9 schedule- 9 hour days, working 5 days a week one week, 4 days a week the following. Working two Saturdays a month is anticipated.

Living Accommodations

The BLM will provide furnished, shared-room housing (similar to a youth hostel), bunk beds with 2 to 4 people in a 12’ x 12’ room).

Compensation

• Living Allowance: $772/week
• Travel Allowance: $1,166
• $400/month food allowance on a reimbursement basis with receipts
• $500 reimbursement for Wilderness First Aid Training

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

Wilderness First Aid Training

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.